South African trio charged over Bolt driver killing
Three suspects have been charged with murder following the killing of Bolt driver Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian national, in Pretoria.
Dashcam footage widely shared online appears to show a struggle before the driver lost consciousness.
Prosecutors say the suspects also face robbery charges, with a fourth accused due in court.
Satlat’s family has said the attack was not linked to xenophobia.
The case has sparked renewed debate over driver safety in the e-hailing industry.
Trump’s new envoy arrives in South Africa amid tensions
Leo Brent Bozell III, appointed by Donald Trump, the US president, has arrived in Pretoria to assume his diplomatic post. Relations between Washington and South Africa have been strained over trade, geopolitics and human rights allegations.
Bozell is expected to present credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South Africa has lacked an ambassador in Washington since the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool.
Kenya airport strike disrupts flights
Flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been delayed by up to four hours following a strike by aviation workers. Kenya Airways cited air traffic control disruptions and warned of further schedule changes.
Union leaders say the strike stems from pay disputes and working conditions. Passengers reported long waits onboard grounded aircraft. Authorities are working to restore normal operations.
Ghanaian traders among dead in Burkina Faso attack
At least 20 people were killed in northern Burkina Faso in attacks claimed by an al-Qaeda-linked militant group. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Ghana’s interior minister, said seven Ghanaian tomato traders were among those killed. Access to the affected area remains restricted amid ongoing insecurity.
Burkina Faso’s military says it repelled further assaults and “neutralised” several militants.
Malawi suspects staged fake funeral to smuggle charcoal
Police in Malawi are searching for nine suspects accused of transporting illegal charcoal in a hearse disguised as a funeral procession. Forestry officials intercepted the vehicle at a roadblock after receiving a tip-off.
Charcoal smuggling is a major driver of deforestation in the country. Authorities say this tactic marks an unusual attempt to evade detection. Investigations are ongoing as environmental enforcement intensifies.
WORLD
French police search Arab World Institute over Jack Lang–Epstein links
French investigators have conducted searches at the Arab World Institute in Paris as part of a probe into alleged links between its former president, Jack Lang, and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Lang, 86, resigned last week after his name appeared hundreds of times in newly released Epstein files in the United States. He is being investigated for suspected laundering of the proceeds of tax evasion, allegations he has described as “baseless”.
Prosecutors are examining reports of an offshore company allegedly created to purchase artworks. Lang has insisted he has “nothing to hide” and says the inquiry will clear his name.
Swiss train derails amid avalanche warnings
Five people were injured after a regional train derailed near Goppenstein in southern Switzerland during heavy snowfall. Police said an avalanche may have crossed the tracks shortly before the train exited the Lötschberg tunnel.
All 29 passengers were rescued, with one taken to the hospital. The region is under a level-four avalanche warning, the second-highest alert. Authorities have opened an investigation as severe winter conditions continue across the Alps.
Yunus steps down as Bangladesh prepares new government
Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, has resigned following recent general elections, clearing the way for a new administration. Yunus, who returned from exile in 2024 after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, said democratic reforms must continue.
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a landslide victory. Its leader, Tarique Rahman, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister. EU observers described the vote as credible and competently managed.
Bus crash kills six in Brazil
At least six people have died and 46 others were injured after a bus overturned on the BR-153 highway in São Paulo state. Authorities said a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control.
The vehicle was reportedly carrying farm workers travelling south for seasonal harvest work. Emergency services transported dozens to nearby hospitals. Deadly road accidents remain common across Brazil’s vast highway network.
Iran signals economic incentives in US nuclear talks
Iran says potential energy, mining, and aviation deals are on the table as negotiations with the United States resume over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Marco Rubio, US Secretary of state said Washington prefers diplomacy but is prepared for alternatives if talks fail.
Iranian officials have suggested that any durable agreement must deliver economic benefits to both sides.The renewed dialogue comes amid heightened regional military deployments.
